Shark - PowerDetect Speed Clean & Empty System, HEPA Filtration, MultiFlex Reach, up to 60 min Runtime - Ice Blue

Shark has firmly settled into one of the leading vacuum-cleaning brands many people, including me, think of when it comes to great cleaning products at a reasonable price point in comparison to other well-known brands. With their updated PowerDetect line they have upgraded and incorporated AI features along with several other industries leading technological advancements that set the bar and, in some cases, position them well above the competition. Being the main “floor keeper” in our busy, high-traffic and large house that includes children, pets and a small childcare business, I am always on the lookout for products that can not only make our lives easier but also do a better job of cleaning and overall sanitary maintenance. Over the years I have used several high-end vacuums of all types including plug-in models, wireless stick models and robot models and have found that my “go-to” for most daily floor maintenance is the stick vacuum because of its convenience and ability to get most jobs done with ease. Shark’s latest version of their PowerDetect Speed Clean & Empty stick vacuum is exactly the type of handheld, cordless stick vacuum that I resort to for regular floor messes and, with their latest upgrades, I could not wait to test it out and hopefully make it my new favorite vacuum. The unboxing and set-up was very quick and easy and includes crevice and brush pet attachments to convert it to a convenient handheld vacuum. After a quick charge on the base station, I was ready to start cleaning. The first thing I noticed was how lightweight and ergonomic the vacuum felt in my grasp in comparison to competitors weighing only about seven pounds. After running it for several minutes, you can see and feel the AI at work in real time as it is constantly adjusting the suction and brush speed and power depending on the floor type as well as how much debris is on the floor. The geniuses at Shark accomplished this by using latest Reveal+ technology which incorporates their built-in AI software, upgraded sensors and bright blue LED light which can detect debris you normally wouldn’t see. On the handheld, you can manually adjust the speed between the AI function, eco mode, and high speed. Their multiflex wand makes it easy to clean under surfaces like couches and tables without having to uncomfortably bend over to reach. The self-emptying dock and charging station is a must-have and one of my favorite features in any stick vacuum. It automatically empties the onboard bin and recharges for up to a 60-minute cleaning run when you dock it after a cleaning. After using the vacuum for several days, surprisingly I noticed the handheld tank still looks clean unlike others I have previously used. Shark claims the dock can hold debris for up to 45 days while sealing away fine dust and allergens. The other standout feature is the dock does not take up as much space in comparison to other manufactures and it does not require you to purchase pricey dust bags that need to be replaced. Somehow Shark also incorporated a self-cleaning brushroll in the spinning cleaning attachment that prevents hair from wrapping around the roll which adds to making maintenance very simple by cleaning the dustbins, filters and the floorhead. So far, the Shark PowerDetect Speed™ Clean & Empty has been an impressive addition to our cleaning routine. Their standout technology sets itself above many others in the industry and at a much more affordable price in comparison. I would recommend it to anyone in the market for an intelligent, high-end, and conveniently lightweight vacuum that takes many burdens off the user especially at this price point.

This vacuum is probably the best I’ve used to-date at cleaning both hard and soft floors with a single brush head. It’s also paired with a very convenient self-emptying charging stand, nearly making it a great vacuum. For many, it likely is a good choice, but enough small quirks add up to make it not the best for me. __ Convenience & Design ___ The mostly hard plastic brush has soft bristles and does a nice job picking up debris and dirt on all floor types. It constantly monitors the floor it’s on and seems to slow the speed on hard floors to keep brush-related noise down as best it can. Sensing is probably the best distinguishing factor in this vacuum. No other stick vacuum we’ve owned will shift cleaning and suction speed on the fly as fast as this one does. It’s great for effective cleaning - switching from a blue ‘detect’ light on hard floors, to a normal white headlight on carpets almost immediately upon rolling up on a rug or moving between rooms with different floor types. With that sensing, I feel that I can just vacuum anywhere without thinking about swapping brush heads. Suction seems to be quite decent, with a slightly less effectiveness on carpets than other stick vacuums we own. Shark advertises that it cleans well in both forward and reverse - which almost sounds like its brush will switch its spin direction based on direction, but it does not. The brush spins only in the forward direction, but I guess there’s a bit more room at the back to suck up dirt. Since the cyclone is built into the clear dust compartment, cleaning it is actually a bit easier than my other models. It’s easy to detach and rinse in the sink. The hinge in its stick to allow cleaning under furniture is surprisingly great. I’m able to get this quite far under couches and cabinets with good control... and from a much more comfortable angle, thanks to this feature. It nicely clicks back together just by straightening it out again through gravity, it’s great. The charging base is the next point of real convenience. Normally, emptying stick vacuums can mean removing attachments first and getting dust clouds over your trash can… with this, you don’t have to think about it. It does a great job of clearing its dust chamber after every use, and can be put in night mode to prevent extraction when you don’t want it making noise. As long as you have a bit of room for charging on a stand vs a wall-mounted design, it’s a great choice. The stand itself seems decently compact for what it is and keeps the vacuum charged. The vacuum also runs a long time on a single charge. I’ve yet to run out of charge while cleaning our home. __ Annoyances __ The single brush head design comes two key annoyances. For one, all of that sensing and adjusting of speeds means that the vacuum is always cycling up and down, meaning it makes a lot of inconsistent sounds while you vacuum, which I find a bit irritating. Second, hard materials in use make it noisier on all floor types than when using dedicated brush heads (especially when compared to the quiet, fluffy types). The noise doesn’t end there. While the vacuum is still relatively quiet when compared to more traditional vacuums, its cyclone design seems to make higher pitched noises in general. Its hard brush head also seems to slide laterally on hard floors, skittering and skipping a bit as the wheels don’t have much grip. While it cleans well, I’m more mindful of the noise it makes and when I choose to run it around. There isn't any option to avoid sensor-based cleaning (and all of those ramping up and down noises) either. The overall design uses a lot of plastic due to the hinge at the center of the stick and its elongated form pushes its center of gravity forward, making it front-heavy regardless of whether the stick is attached or not. It also feels a bit heavier in general… While it may be light by some standards, other stick vacuums easily beat it with their aluminum sticks and lighter brush head units. The design is also not the most attractive, in my opinion. It's ok, but all of the bulky plastic and painted steel-blue accents seem like they'll look a bit dated soon. For me, the single biggest annoyance in its design is the 90-degree locking brush head. I’m tall, so it’s easy for me to pull it backward and aim it nearly straight down while vacuuming. It’s very easy to accidentally lock up the head while vacuuming, meaning you’ll be pressing down on the brush head quite often to unlock it during use. The brush doesn’t stop spinning while locked so it doesn’t serve to do much of anything except maybe keeping it up while carrying it from room to room, perhaps. I find it very inhibiting when trying to vacuum stairs and I hate that I cannot turn off this locking behavior. After a certain threshold, it clicks into place and stays there. __ Summary __ For many, this may be a great vacuum. The convenience of a stick vacuum with no cables to plug in, the hinged stick design, no need to swap brush heads for different floors, automatic emptying and long run time… But for me, its fluctuating and higher pitched noises, brush head that locks position during use, and generally unbalanced weight make it a good vacuum that I still wouldn’t recommend over current alternatives.

----- SUMMARY ----- Verdict: Between juggling work, keeping up with my oldest's toddler energy, and managing the newborn chaos with the baby, free time is virtually non-existent in our house. Keeping the floors clean isn't just about tidiness. It's almost a daily necessity to maintain my sanity. Most vacuums make this a chore, requiring you to lug out a heavy machine and constantly empty tiny dustbins. The Shark PowerDetect Speed Clean & Empty System genuinely changes that dynamic. It's incredibly lightweight, surprisingly smart, and most importantly, it handles its own mess with the auto-empty dock. It provides a frictionless, grab-and-go cleaning experience that actually fits into a chaotic family schedule without adding extra stress. Pros: - Lightweight design makes quick daily cleanups effortless - Auto-empty dock holds up to 45 days of dirt and seals away allergens - PowerDetect Intelligence automatically adjusts suction based on floor type and dirt levels - Forward and reverse cleaning captures debris efficiently in both directions - MultiFLEX wand bends to reach under low furniture without bending over - Blue light illumination reveals hidden dust and toddler crumbs on hard floors - Hand vacuum mode with the included Pet Multi-Tool is excellent for upholstery Cons: - Onboard dustbin is relatively small (though heavily offset by the auto-empty dock) - Automatic emptying process is briefly loud when docking (unless Quiet Mode is engaged) ----- DETAILS ----- Design & Maneuverability: Shark completely nailed the ergonomics on this model. Weighing in at right around 7 pounds, it is incredibly easy to maneuver around highchairs, toys, and tight corners. The standout physical feature, however, is the MultiFLEX wand. With the push of a button, the wand bends backward, allowing the vacuum head to reach deep under the sofa and TV stand without forcing me to hunch over. When you are done, that same joint allows the vacuum to fold over on itself for compact storage, though the sleek auto-empty dock is compact enough that it looks perfectly fine parked in the open. Cleaning Performance & PowerDetect: What makes this vacuum so efficient is the PowerDetect Intelligence. Instead of manually clicking through settings or swapping floor heads, the vacuum just figures it out. I can be vacuuming up a rogue pile of crushed snacks on the kitchen tile, and when I push it over the living room rug, I can actually hear the motor immediately ramp up the suction. It also features a redesigned head that pulls in debris whether you are pushing forward or pulling backward, which saves a surprising amount of time when you’re rushing. The most satisfying (and slightly horrifying) feature is the blue light on the floor nozzle. Unlike standard LED headlights, this blue light highlights hidden dust and messes on hard floors that are otherwise invisible to the naked eye. Thinking the floors were clean only to have this light reveal perfectly camouflaged toddler crumbs or a hidden scattering of litter from our cat, Nala, turns vacuuming into a bit of a game, ensuring you actually get the floor spotless. Versatility & Pet Hair: While it excels on the floors, its ability to quickly convert to a handheld vacuum is what seals the deal for me. Nala also considers the living room couch her personal bed. Popping the main stick off and attaching the Pet Multi-Tool in hand vacuum mode makes quick work of her hair. The tool is aggressive enough to pull embedded hair out of the fabric without damaging it. It's a lifesaver when I need to make the couch presentable and fur-free in seconds before my wife gets home from a long hospital shift and just wants a clean place to finally sit down. Battery Life & The Auto-Empty Base: The battery is rated for up to 60 minutes of runtime, though your mileage will vary depending on the settings. In my experience, hitting that full hour is really only possible when using the hand vac with a non-powered attachment in ECO mode. If you have the PowerDetect intelligence constantly amping up the suction for tougher spots, you will definitely see that number drop, but I've still never had it die on me mid-cleanup. Since our house is primarily a mix of vinyl and tile with just a few rugs, I haven't had the chance to see how it holds up against thick, high-pile carpeting. The absolute star of the show, however, is the Clean & Empty dock. When you drop the vacuum onto the stand, it automatically sucks the dirt out of the vacuum's bin and into a sealed chamber that holds up to 45 days' worth of debris. For a busy parent, not having to hover over a trash can in a cloud of dust after every single cleaning session is an absolute game-changer. Because that auto-empty process uses a massive burst of suction, it is briefly quite loud when it docks. Normally, that wouldn't be an issue, but nobody wants to wake a sleeping baby. Thankfully, Shark anticipated this with a brilliant "Quiet Mode" feature. By simply moving a slider on the dock to the right, it prevents the empty system from activating. It's a seemingly small detail, but being able to do a quick sweep around the living room while the baby is napping without worrying about the dock triggering an eruption of noise when I put it away is a massive relief. ----- WHAT'S IN THE BOX ----- 1 x Shark PowerDetect Speed Cordless Vacuum 1 x Auto-Empty & Charging Dock 1 x Crevice Tool 1 x Pet Multi Tool 1 x Quick Start Guide

I find Shark Vacuum products to frequently be dependable and surprisingly capable. This Shark PowerDetect Speed vacuum is no exception. It is very powerful while remaining lightweight and not excessively noisy. The singular head for all floors works wonderfully on all my different surfaces, from tile to laminate and carpet as well. This even includes area rugs and my commercial grade entry mats that my robot vacuums can never get everything off of. The PowerDetect deals with those with no trouble at all. It has a smaller reservoir than my previous stick vacuum had yet because of the suction force it exerts on the dog hair it picks up it goes much farther before becoming full since it compresses the hair a great deal while picking it all up. Then when it comes time to empty, you just drop it onto the charging stand which automatically empties it out into another bin. So far in just over a week of use I have not had to empty out the base yet and get the impression it will go for a while before I must touch it. The head is the perfect width to vacuum all my stairs in one pass each, and the bend point in the middle that snaps into place makes getting under the TV stand and couches significantly easier. Battery life is more than adequate to clean my 2000sq ft house in a single charge as well. The handle is comfortable for my 20–30-minute cleaning sessions, and it is so light that I feel no fatigue after using it. It includes furniture and small crevasse attachments that have storage slots in the back corners of the base so everything fits together. One of my only small complaints is that the cord for the base is only about 3 feet long, meaning it must sit close to an outlet and made it so I had to put it in a different location than I would have preferred without an extension cable. Outside of that small issue it is a great vacuum and has left me very impressed. It makes cleaning the house that much easier with small things like never having to change heads for different floors and not having to empty it continuously. I’d definitely recommend it.

The Shark Power Detect Speed Clean and Empty vacuum is beyond convenient. I think anyone can relate to moments where there is a sudden mess that needs to be cleaned up. In my case, I accidentally dropped a container of cherry turnovers. While the pastries didn’t fall out, the flaky crumbs spilled from the sides and onto the floor. I definitely wasn’t going to activate my Shark robot vac for a single area, and to be honest, I was too lazy to find the broom and dustpan. This is where the Shark Speed Clean got to shine. No cord to unravel and plug in. I just pulled it off its charger, and within a minute, the crumbs were gone from memory. But since I already had the portable vacuum out, I figured I would vacuum my carpeted stairs that had been accumulating pet fur on them. The Shark pulled the pet hair with insane ease! Again, I didn’t have to bust out the canister vacuum and navigate it up the steps, all while being tethered to the power cord. When you return the Shark to its charging station, it activates the self-empty feature. Setting Up: Putting together the Shark Power Detect Speed is easy. Just snap the wand, handle, and head together, and you are good to go. Make sure it’s fully charged before going after messes. There’s an indicator that shows you when it’s fully charged. Performance: As I mentioned above, this vacuum is a beast. It detects whether you’re on carpet or hardwood floors. And it gets the edges. The wand also bends with the press of a button, allowing you to get under tables. Brooms don’t do that. I have nothing negative to say about this vacuum. Shark has delivered a great product again!